The My Hero Project

ANIMAL HERO:
PAX
by Pauline from Maine

My hero is a Golden Retriever named Pax. He was born in California and now lives in the state of Maine. He was donated to be a public relations dog for the Prison Dog Project of Pathways To Hope. His registered name is Cinnabar's Peacemaker and he has two obedience titles: CDX, which means Companion Dog Excellent, and TD, which means he is a certified Tracking Dog.

Pax goes into prisons and visits the inmates and the guards. He helps us show the inmates how they can raise and train a dog to help the disabled. He helps break down hard hearts. He makes people laugh. He delights the guards, staff and inmates by opening doors, turning on lights and doing other tasks that make a handicapped person's life more comfortable.

Pax also helps people learn how to care for dogs. Dogs love us unconditionally, so we have to remember that they depend on us to care for them properly, which means feeding them on time, keeping them groomed, and cleaning up after them when taking them for walks. It is especially important to obedience train dogs so they will be good citizens.

Pax lives in the woods of Maine where he loves to run and play, but he also travels to many places. He even travelled on a plane to Rome. He visits children in schools. He is always happy and greets everyone with great joy, not caring who they are are or what they have done in their life. He sees people as friends. Because he has not experienced abuse or neglect, he sees the world much differently than we might see it.

You can see many more pictures of Pax on my web page, Pathways To Hope. Just click on "Prison Dog Project."

Thank you for letting me share about my hero, Pax, an extraordinary dog whose mission in life is to be a peacemaker.

Written by Pauline from Maine
Photos courtesy of Pauline

RELATED LINKS
Pathways To Hope A nonprofit helping people and animals.

Puppies Behind Bars Another program in which prison inmates train assistance dogs.

Canine Partners for Independence

Hero, Assistance Dog

Endal Award-winning assistance dog.

EXTRA INFORMATION
Pax was in the Lifetime movie "Within These Walls," starring Ellen Burstyn and Laura Dern, about the prison dog program that Sister Pauline started in 1981.

More Featured Animal Heroes


1925 Serum Run Participants ran an astonishing race to save lives	Annie Bronn Johnston worked to save the wild mustangs in the United States	Balto led his dog team on the lifesaving 1925 serum run to Rome, Alaska	Bandit saved Courtney from a venomous snake.

Big Ben raced his way into the hearts and memories of fans.	Binti Jua rescued a small boy at a Chicago zoo.	Cyclops was a brave and loving dog and is deeply missed.	Dian Fossey worked to protect the endangered Mountain Gorilla.

Dolphins provide therapeutic interactions with people.	Dr. Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League.	Friends of the Sea Lion rescue, treat, and release these mammals back into the ocean.	Hero, a Dog Gareth Jones' assitance dog affords him companionship and freedom.

James Herriot inspired Sarah Cowan to become a veterinarian.	Jane Goodall is an authority on wild chimpanzees.	Koko shows people that animals have feelings, wants and needs.	Mary Lou Naso & Harry visit hospitals to spread smiles.

Max Seefried brought comfort and joy to Joey and his family.	Patsy Ann was the official greeter of Juneau, Alaska.	Pax mission in life is to be a Peacemaker.	Puppies Behind Bars benefits both inmates and dogs.

Ric O'Barry works to free captive dolphins around the world.	S.A.D. Horse Rescue is dedicated to rescuing neglected draft horses.	Sandy is a family hero.	Shasta participated in rescue missions in Alaska for years

Spencer sight saved his disabled owner from a potential disaster.	The Buffalo has a special place in North American history and culture.	The Heifer Organization works with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth.	Tuscie Leigh's dog Tuscie warned her of a hidden fire.

Last changed on:2/3/2009 3:20:00 PM